Next door neighbors to Kansas City

Tag: Merriam

In less than a week, the official start to fall will be underway. The temps in Kansas, according to Weather Center, will remain in the 80’s, but we Kansans flock to our sweaters and jackets the moment a slight chill is in the air. You might think that Kansas isn’t necessarily the greatest spot to view the beautiful colors of fall. Well, while we may not have the foliage followers of the Northeastern states, we can certainly hold our own in beauty, color and fantastic weather when the leaves do begin to turn.

Here in suburban Merriam, just 10 minutes from downtown Kansas City, it can be challenging to find large swaths of foliage to gaze upon, but we are definitely full of pockets of autumn Pantones across the city. Take a peek at our favorite spots to view the changing leaves this season!

Antioch Park, Merriam Kansas

Turkey Creek Streamway Trail — running along the west side of I-35 from Waterfall Park to the 75th Street access point, this 4-mile paved trail is full of trees, shrubbery, wildlife and a trickling stream for a beautiful nature walk this fall.

Antioch Park — the most popular park in Merriam, Antioch Park offers picturesque views of some of the most vibrant and beautiful trees in our city.

Merriam Historic Plaza — check out the pretty line of maples along the sidewalk of Merriam Historic Plaza at Shawnee Mission Parkway and I-35. While you’re there, take in a mini history lesson about our great city on the outdoor walking path.

Nature’s beauty is never more evident than when the trees become ablaze in brilliant shades of oranges, reds and golds. Where’s your favorite spot to view the leaves in Merriam? Snap a pic when the colors are in full bloom, share it socially and tag us @ExploreMerriam–we’d love to see your fall photos.

For the locals:
The leaves are pretty but they eventually fade and drop to the ground. This year, the City of Merriam has arranged for Benjamin Lawn & Landscape to offer a group rate for residential curbside leaf removal in neighborhoods. Click here to learn more!

For the visitors:Stop by the Merriam Visitors Bureau office at 6304 E. Frontage Road (M-F 8-4:30) to pick up a Merriam Visitors Guide full of attractions, shops and restaurants, or click here to explore our seasonal favorites in and around Merriam!

Have you ever heard the saying, “the future’s so bright we gotta wear shades?” Well, that rings true for Merriam, Kansas and the entire Nation on Monday, August 21, 2017 when the solar eclipse treks across the country–an event not witnessed in 38 years and one that many of us may never see again.

To welcome the eclipse, Merriam has teamed up with other local CVB’s and Chambers, the Johnson County Park & Recreation District and local food trucks to offer “Total Eclipse in the Parks.” If you have the opportunity, you should try to make the trek to the path of totality and we are aware that our destinations are not in the path of totality. But, there are some folks who simply can’t make the trip to the path, so we’re hosting eclipse viewing parties in Merriam, Shawnee/Lenexa, and Olathe. We’ll be 99.8% dark during the eclipse, so if you’re looking for a lunchtime spot to view this celestial celebration, come on out to Antioch Park, Heritage Park or Shawnee Mission Theater in The Park anytime between 11:30-1:30 on Monday! If you’re one of the first 200 individuals to join us, you’ll score a FREE pair of ISO certified solar viewing glasses.

Until then, check out a few eclipse tips we think you’ll enjoy! Happy eclipsing.

Arrive a little early to your view site to secure your prime viewing location. Antioch Park view site will be at Shelter 2. Parking is limited (again, not in the path of totality, just FYI)

Bring plenty of water, a lawn chair or blanket, sunscreen and bug spray.

Secure your solar viewing device early! Many places are selling non certified glasses now which are not safe to view the eclipse. Look for the proper ISO requirement on the glasses.

Bring a camera to document the event, but don’t miss the actual peak by viewing through a camera lens. Take it in and enjoy this historic celestial moment. If you must shoot photos, remember to still protect your eyes.

If you can’t even make it outside at all, download the Total Solar Eclipse 2017 app by Exploratorium. This cool app will feature live streaming by educators and NASA scientists. NASA will also live stream on television so everyone can view.

Check-out this eclipse map which details the path of totality across Kansas!

Looking for a place to cool off during the Kansas heat wave? Head over to the Antioch Branch of the Johnson County located at the corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Antioch in Merriam. Created by volunteers in 1953, the Antioch library (the first public library in the county), was initially open just five hours a week. Today, the Johnson County Library system serves more than 566,933 residents from thirteen public facilities and a well-developed website. Antioch Library in Merriam serves an area of about 40,000 people as well as anyone from outside this area visiting Merriam. Membership is not exclusive only to residents–everyone is welcome to apply for a Library card.

The Library offers strong WiFi connections and free public computers with printing capability. If arriving in Kansas for a meeting or interview, study rooms can be reserved at many of our locations. If arriving with children, the Library offers story times for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, and at Antioch specifically, we maintain a creative and educational play area that features early childhood literacy hand-on activities. We host other events and programs year round, each of which is described in our seasonal guide available at the Merriam Visitors Bureau.

After leaving Merriam, our magazines, newspapers and databases will continue to be available. Everything from consumer information to personal finance tools to learning a language, among many other recreational and educational topics, can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and a current Library card.

The mission of the Johnson County Library is to provide access to ideas, information, experiences and materials that support and enrich people’s lives. The Library is supported by ad valorem taxes, by the Friends of Johnson County Library book sales, and by the philanthropic efforts of the Johnson County Library Foundation. Please visit our website at www.jocolibrary.org to learn more or come see us at Antioch and Shawnee Mission Parkway!

One quick Google search for “music in Kansas City,” and you’ll discover hundreds of little shows, headliner concerts, special event performances and more across the region. From local musicians performing regularly in the tiniest of watering holes to top acts selling out the largest venues in KC, there is never a shortage of live, good music in the metro, and summer is the perfect time to make a list of all the shows you want to take in.

Here in Merriam, the same applies! There are 92 days of summer and we’ve got a ton of local performances for you to enjoy—25 to be exact. That’s 25 times out of 92 days you can tune in and feel the music! While we don’t have a massive outdoor arena to seat thousands of people, we do have a laid back vibe to our community’s musical offerings, and we invite you to check them out. After all, music is what feelings sound like, no matter the stage. So, get out there, take in a concert and dance. Dance, I said!

2017 marks the 34th year of National Travel & Tourism Week, an event celebrated across the Nation dedicated to recognizing those who work to serve others in the tourism and hospitality industry. As tourism supports the livelihoods of more than 15 million Americans, it’s only fitting that we take a moment to thank those who work tirelessly to welcome visitors to our destinations, go the extra “smile,” and make a difference in our communities.

The 2017 national theme, “Faces of Travel,” shines the spotlight on the individuals who make their living by serving others. All across the U.S., destinations will be hosting events and activities in honor of these deserving people, and Merriam is definitely joining the party! But, we couldn’t just feature one person during #NTTW17. Because we are fortunate to have so many supportive partners who help promote our great city, and tourism week provides wonderful exposure to showcase these individuals, we decided to feature someone new each day! Although it was a challenge selecting only six, we’ve created a daily mini-series we think you’ll enjoy as you learn more about “Merriam’s Faces of Travel.”

Take a peek at the line-up below, meet today’s featured face of travel, then check back daily on our social channels to meet a new Merriam face each day this week!

In celebration of National Pet Day on April 11th (yes, it’s a thing–the National Calendar at a Glance says so), we thought it fitting to celebrate and share the fur babies in our lives, and educate travelers about Merriam’s pet-friendly places.
Meet Ladi Dadi—she’s a toy poodle who is the sweetest, most loving and smart girl around. Fiercely protective of her travel bag (her mohawk hairstyle all the more intimidating), Ladi loves to tag along with her humans on various trips and excursions, happily obeying all the puppy laws when livin’ it up at a pooch-friendly spot.

This is Pip! Pip is a temperamental rabbit who lives in a custom-made triplex rabbit condo and is too spoiled for her own good. She enjoys lounging near her hay rack by day and wreaking havoc by night, keeping her human (and human’s parents) awake until the wee hours like it’s her own personal bunny nightclub. Pip is portable and has traveled on occasion—thankfully never being snubbed since she’s not a typical traveling pet.

If you’re a pet parent, you know the struggle is real when trying to decide to travel or not to travel with the critters in tow. In fact, according to DogVacay.com, “pet owners aren’t fully enjoying the benefits of what should be a relaxing travel experience because they are worrying about their pets.” This nifty infographic shows that 73% of people feel guilty about leaving their pet in a kennel when they travel and 21% of them have trouble finding pet-friendly accommodations. Fortunately, since there are so many of us pro-pet travelers out there, lodging, attractions and other visitor-friendly locations are starting to pay attention and make special packages and allowances so people and pets can travel more freely together.

Sure, there are times when the grandpet parents are a more suitable option or the Rover.com sitter just makes more sense, but for times when you really want to get away with your fur-baby, it’s good to know the pet-friendly odds are shifting in your favor.

Here in Merriam for example, pets are heartily welcomed in our community. From overnight lodging to a doggie day-care if you prefer a parents’ day out activity, the plethora of pet amenities are certainly a good reason to consider Merriam when traveling to the Kansas City region. Take a peek at our pet-friendly spots across town and be sure to swing by the CVB office (M-F 8:00a.m.-4:30 p.m.) for a pooch treat if you’re in the neighborhood.

Daycare/Boarding:Woof’s Play & Stay offers boarding options when you must leave them behind and day-play if you need a PDO. Grooming services are also available, and who knows, your pooch could win Top Dog Award.

Grooming: Jenny’s Pet Care & Dog Grooming on Merriam Drive is a great spot for a spiffy new do! Mention her website coupon and receive $3 off your first dog groom.

Supplies: PetSmart at Merriam Town Center and Merriam Lawn & Feed at Johnson & Merriam Drive both have pet food and supplies if you forget an essential supply when visiting.

Parks, parks, and more parks: All of Merriam’s parks and trails are pet-friendly and nary a moment goes by without seeing a leashed fur baby leading the way of park goers and trail walkers. Bonus: all Merriam parks have pet waste stations, so there’s no worries when duty calls. Clickhere for a list of parks in Merriam!

Day for the Dogs: No community would be complete without an event entirely focused on the four-legged furries. Merriam’s Pooch Paddle is a fun, tail-wagging, all-dog swimming party held on Monday, September 4, 2017 at the Merriam Aquatic Center.

No Pets? You may be reading this blog thinking, “I don’t even have a pet.” We’ve got that covered too. Merriam is home to Great Plains SPCA, a local shelter housing dogs and cats (and sometimes other animals) in need of caring, loving homes and humans. Give them a shout if you’re looking to adopt, or feel free to make a little donation to keep this worthy organization stocked with supplies.

Now that you’ve got the perfect pet-friendly place to visit, come see us in Merriam! We’re pawsitively certain you’ll love our pawspitality–fur real!

When walking into the local community center in downtown Merriam, one may not expect to find art. Sure, it’s commonplace to see meeting rooms, a gymnasium and fitness classes taking place. Community centers are known for health and wellness functions, events, classes, local networking and places to hold meetings, but a growing trend amongst public spaces like these is to also form a greater connection to those who frequent or visit the facility through the thoughtful placement of art. Venturing up to the third floor of Merriam’s center, visitors will discover a quaint and private space housing the rotating exhibits of the Tim Murphy Art Gallery.

Now in its 21st year and named after one of Merriam’s most beloved employees, the Tim Murphy Art Gallery is nestled in a cozy spot providing visitors a beautiful retreat to view and appreciate art. Eleven exhibits are hosted each year and all feature an opening evening reception on the first night of the exhibit. Varied types of art adorn the walls of the gallery, and two exhibits are regionally and nationally juried. In fact, the December, 2016 High School Visual Arts Exhibition included 182 submissions from 151 students in 20 metro area high schools–many going on to win awards for their work.

The Heartland Artist Exhibition (March 4 – April 11) is Merriam’s largest show and draws artists from all corners of the United States. This annual exhibition offers awards for Best in Show and is one of the highest attended receptions of all gallery events.

Whether you’re an art aficionado and trickle from place to place discovering the beauty and talent of local artists, or if you’re a first-timer and just want a peaceful place for an afternoon art excursion, try the Tim Murphy Art Gallery in downtown Merriam!